The EF Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has issued a scathing rebuke of Sabach Sanjal’s National Assembly Member (NAM), Alh. Babou Ceesay, for derogatory remarks made during an extraordinary parliamentary session on Wednesday.
Ceesay sparked widespread condemnation by referring to protesters, including members of the Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) and the nation’s youth, as “cockroaches” who “feel they can do what they want.” The comments, which EFSCRJ labeled “condescending, unconstitutional, and undignified,” have fueled calls for the MP to retract his statement and respect democratic rights.
The controversy stems from a May 8 incident in which GALA leaders were arrested at Banjul’s Never Again Memorial Arch while peacefully assembling to demand accountability over former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets.
EFSCRJ emphasized that the protesters, who were neither in a procession nor using loudspeakers, were exercising their constitutional right to protest under Section 25 of The Gambia’s Constitution. The arrests, which occurred before any demonstration began, were deemed “unconstitutional and unlawful” by the advocacy group, as the Public Order Act only mandates permits for processions or amplified sound.
Ceesay’s remarks, made during a session prompted by GALA’s activism and an investigative report by The Republic, dismissed the protesters’ efforts, which EFSCRJ credits with forcing parliament to address the long-ignored issue of Jammeh’s assets. “For nine years, parliament failed to act,” said EFSCRJ. “The youth’s protests enabled NAMs, including Ceesay, to finally do their job. He should be thanking them, not insulting them.”
EFSCRJ also criticized Ceesay for misrepresenting the law and undermining the dignity of the National Assembly, as mandated by Section 112(a) of the Constitution. While Section 113 grants NAMs freedom of speech, the group argued that Ceesay’s comments violated parliamentary decorum and disrespected the electorate. “Protest is not a crime,” the group added. “Labeling citizens as ‘cockroaches’ for demanding transparency is an affront to democracy.”
The EFSCRJ has called on Ceesay to withdraw his remarks and align his conduct with the Constitution and National Assembly Standing Orders. The group also condemned the Public Order Act as a “colonial and autocratic” tool used to suppress rights and shield corruption, urging its reform.
GALA and youth activists have vowed to continue their protests as public outrage grows, with EFSCRJ pledging solidarity. “We stand with the youth demanding accountability. Ceesay must get his facts right and respect the people who elected him.”
